Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Aspirus Grand View Hospital hosts a tree lighting Tuesday, continuing the hospital's annual tradition of lighting its Tree of Love and Celebration Tree as a way to remember the previous year's triumphs as well as remember all those who have passed away.
By RICHARD JENKINS
Ironwood - As the Christmas season begins, Aspirus Grand View Hospital hosted a tree lighting Tuesday, continuing the hospital's annual tradition of lighting its Tree of Love and Celebration Tree as a way to remember the previous year's triumphs as well as remember all those who have passed away.
Carol D'Alberto - president of the Aspirus Grand View Auxiliary - said while the hospital has a long tradition of lighting the Tree of Love, where each light signifies someone who has passed away, this is only the second year the hospital has had a Celebration Tree.
This tree could represent anything, said D'Alberto.
"Your mom and dad are having a 50th wedding anniversary, graduations, maybe somebody got their masters degree, that kind of thing," said D'Alberto.
Over 600 names were included in this year's trees, D'Alberto, said.
While D'Alberto said the holidays are a natural time for think of purchasing a bulb on the trees, they can be bought year-round.
"People have the idea they have to wait until November to do this," D'Alberto said. "The forms are always available within the hospital and at the gift shop."
Those who buy the lights get a card, D'Alberto said, which they can put inside a birthday card and present on a special occasion if they choose.
Prior to the actual lighting, Pastor Paul Steckling - of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ramsay - his wife Heather and daughter Hannah, sang a selection of Christmas hymns.
The lighting was followed by a short reception and refreshments inside the hospital.
